Exploring the “Mayan Ruins” Bridge in Garden City- Updated: 4/23/2017
With the permission of a surrounding neighbor, members of the Long Island Motor Parkway Preservation Society took an up-close look last Saturday of the "Mayan Ruins" Motor Parkway Bridge in Garden City.
Thanks, Mike Z.!
Frank Femenias: "We had full access to both walls. After close examination, it was determined that the walls are indeed the bridge abutments. The creases were already there and exposed. Apparently, some of the crown on the Russell wall was once skimmed off, reducing the height of the wall. Then, that finding later was confirmed after reading the latest comment on the Ruins blog by a former childhood resident. The comment states that the Russell wall once stood approx 8 ft high. Today it stands approx 3 ft.. The Pell Terrace wall (almost totally covered in vine) has half it's length at approx 8 ft high, the other half approx 3 ft., similar to the Russell wall. These two walls are the abutments. The group later investigated behind the managers house and we were all pleased to see the massive cleanup and removal of trees. The path there once again is clear."
August 1928 ,
These images show the unfinished "Mayan Ruins" bridge south of Old Country Road in Garden City .
The photo was taken at the scene of a car accident by Motor Parkway motorcycle patrolman Thomas Zinzi. His motorcycle can be seen on side of the Motor Parkway.
East Wall
Looking west, the south wall is completely covered in ivy. Everyone agrees that the entire wall is still intact.
Frank taking measurements.
West Wall
Several feet of the West Wall (seen on the far left) have been removed from the top.
Greg showing Art approximately how much of the West Wall is missing.
Overall, it was confirmed that the two concrete structures are the remains of the two walls of the "Mayan Ruins" Motor Parkway Bridge.
Comments
This day’s findings was conducted by the best there is. These are bridge abutments, reduced in height over the years from approximately 8 feet to 3 feet. And the local kids had a blast playing around them over the years.
Great work guys but for this mission to be fully completed we have to do one thing: DIG!!!
I volunteer to dig. Might be good idea to do this before someone moves into that other house.
Good photos, Howard. Frank and I arrived a little late. In case anyone is wondering, I’m the redhead walking along with Frank at the west abutment. I’m a bit camera shy anyway.
Just to clarify, is this in Garden City near Old Country Road or near Vanderbilt Court where there was a bridge over Clinton Road? Thanks in advance.
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Howard Kroplick:
Bill, it is actually near Transverse Road in Garden City.
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/blog/article/wednesday_september_29_2010_the_motor_parkway_mayan_ruins_in_garden_city1
Another blog worth looking back at is 9/29/10 Part II: Then&Now;: The Motor Parkway “Mayan Ruins” of Garden City.
The last 1950 closeup aerial:
* Dirt is still built up on either sides of the abutments. Best place to move all that dirt is right over the LIMP between the abutments. And maybe the skimmed off sections of the abutments are in the same resting place.
* This aerial is facing south. If the bridge was completed, the road would’ve headed in a SW and NE direction. The abutments aren’t directly across from each other, a bit offset.
* #45 Russell Rd house was built in 1950. And the rear of this home can be seen next to the west abutment. No one purchased this home yet, presently.
Looks like you fellows had a successful meet and examination of the two walls on the 20th. Making contact as a bonifide group was a great move and hopefully an entree into future more definitive examinations. Well done.
Whoo - missed this one! For pix from 31 Jan 2008, see <http://sbiii.com/limpbrdg.html#gardcity>. Sam, III
Uh, oh! Just (15 Sep 2020) got an ad for construction blocks masquerading as an e-mail comment notification. I trust LIers will boycott the sender. Mayhap we finally have to restrict access to the blog. What a shame; we’ve had such a good run. Sam, III